My own family came here from Italy in 1947, legally immigrating through Ellis Island. Most of them got in on the first try, but not all. Back then, we still had standards. My uncle had a bump on his head and was sent back because they thought he might be carrying disease.
We used to have immigration standards. Now it’s the wild wild west.
Our immigration system is emblematic of inefficiency, lawlessness, and dysfunction. From my standpoint, the need for comprehensive immigration reform is both urgent and essential to uphold our nation's laws, security, and economic interests.
It simply must be the first priority of Donald Trump’s second term and this is something the vast majority of Americans support as well.
Border security is the most critical issue our country faces. The southern border is wide open, allowing not only economic “migrants,” but also potential criminals and terrorists to enter the country. We simply have no clue who the people coming across are.
Remember the great rape of Germany in 2015 where over 100 people were sexually assaulted in one night by “migrants” on New Year’s Eve? This trend has continued all throughout the European Union, and now it’s happening here as well.
Every time you hear about a murder, rape or other crime that was committed by an illegal, it is a crime that NEVER needed to take place. But, sadly, it is becoming more commonplace than ever before.
When you have people coming from all over the Middle East, Africa and other nations who simply don’t share our cultural values, these issues are bound to arise.
And it’s not only common crimes, but a national security disaster on so many other levels. Why is China sending over thousands and thousands of migrants every month?
Years ago, you never heard of this happening, but now, in certain sectors, they’re coming over at wild rates. China is our adversary. We should not allow the citizens of an adversary to simply come through without any given reason. Isn’t this common sense?
Reforming the immigration system is not just about fixing a broken process, it's about investing in the future of the United States. But it must be done smartly and with the interests of safety and security at the forefront.
Here are a few tangible steps that can be taken to start reforming the broken system:
Firstly, we need to enhance Border Security and Enforcement by modernizing border infrastructure... including a wall. Invest in advanced technology, such as drones, sensors, and AI systems, to monitor and secure the borders more effectively. Increase Border Patrol Staffing by hiring additional agents to ensure adequate coverage and response capabilities along the border.
Secondly, we must implement a Merit-Based Immigration System. Let’s start using the Points-Based System that evaluates applicants based on education, skills, work experience, and language proficiency. But, none of that can begin until we have a serious deportation program underway to rid our country of those who have come here illegally. There needs to be a period where the focus is on getting people out before we let more and more in.
Thirdly, we must promote Integration and Assimilation. Language and Civics Education should be a priority, so let’s provide resources for immigrants to learn English and understand U.S. civics to help them integrate into American society.
These are just a few ideas that our government can and most certainly should implement to start reforming a broken system.
We must rebuild our system to focus on recruiting the best and the brightest, not the most violent and criminal.
We must insist that anyone who wants to become a citizen of our great country learns and speaks our language!
Our great president Ronald Reagan put it best: "A nation that cannot control its borders is not a nation." Well, right now we are not a nation. This can all change in 2025 with the right leadership in the White House and Congress.
